The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned utility player Hyeseong Kim to Triple-A just ahead of the beginning of the regular season Sunday.
The 27-year-old has been battling for the final spot in the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster all spring, with his main competition being No. 4 prospect Alex Freeland. Second baseman Tommy Edman will miss Opening Day while recovering from surgery on his ankle, opening the likeliest spot for Freeland to play now that Kim is in the minor leagues. The Dodgers also added Santiago Espinal to their roster, and he will be in contention for the spot as well.
Kim had a solid spring, slashing .407/.448/.519 with a home run and six RBIs, but the Dodgers clearly have a role in mind for Freeland, who impressed some of the Dodgers’ executives throughout the spring.
“Alex has been really impressive all spring,” Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said. “He’s worked really hard with our hitting group, and his swing looks great from both sides. He’s also displayed outstanding at-bat quality along with strong defense at multiple positions.”
Manager Dave Roberts also commented on the position battle last week, but seemed to be split between the two with Opening Day looming.
“It’s one of those things that you could argue both sides of either decision, as far as Alex or Hyeseong. And so I just don’t think it’s clear cut,” Roberts said. “We still haven’t seen Hyeseong a bunch. Alex, I think he’s taken great at-bats, the numbers, the surface line certainly isn’t there, but it’s still spring training. There’s just deeper conversations that are going to be had.”
How did Hyeseong Kim Perform in 2025?
Kim made his MLB debut in 2025, but fell victim to the Dodgers’ staggering depth and quality throughout the season. Despite a hot start — he batted .422 through his first month in MLB — the Dodgers used him predominantly as a rotation player, and he struggled for consistent game time.
He finished the year with a .280/.314/.385 slash line for a .699 OPS, hitting just two home runs in the 71 games he played since being called up May 3, 2025.
The Dodgers also started Kim in the minors last year, though, so this is a familiar challenge for the utility man to begin the season. He’ll look to string together some solid performances in the minors and make his way back up to MLB as soon as possible.
Do you think the Dodgers made the right decision?
6 Responses
I think Roberts doesn’t like Kim and wasn’t going to give him a chance. All of his I can’t see so and so not making the team stuff was pointing towards him knowing this was the outcome. When they started dropping the execs are impressed with Freeland I knew it was the case. Freeland will hang around until Edman (who is totally overrated but reminds Roberts of himself) is back. Kim will get at bats in AAA and either be traded or allowed out of his contract. Santiago will flop after about 6 weeks. Don’t see Kim ever returning unless the Dodgers are 15 – 34 or Roberts kisses Trump when he goes to DC.
Edman is overrated maybe you don’t watch dodgers baseball after all he has a post season mvp …a great utility player …Plays at in field and outfield wherever you want….what else you need from him…ops 1000+
Or what
Kim is an outstanding player who has never been given a fair chance. He is a better player defensively and offensively than Feeland. He is an outstanding base runner and has made outstanding plays. I agree with the comment above, Roberts does not like him. I hope he is traded and becomes the player he could be with another team. He is a waste of talent with the Dodgers.
That’s total BS!!! Kim was crushing his at-bats hitting well over .400, plays exceptional defense, quickest guy on the team while Freeland was hitting a whopping .103. Does Gomer really expect us to buy the BS he’s shoveling, quote, “Alex has been really impressive all spring,”. “He’s worked really hard with our hitting group, and his swing looks great from both sides. He’s also displayed outstanding at-bat quality along with strong defense at multiple positions.” Just what we need a switch hitting defensive infielder who can’t hit. Maybe we should bring back that other ex-Dodger multi positional player that Roberts selected to be an All-Star, Chris “I can swing and miss with the best of them” Taylor!!! Quick Gomer offer him a 5 year 120 million contract before he slips away especially after last years performance of 29 games, 35 K’s and a .190 average. WOW, I’m sold!!!
I don’t like it! Kim earned the spot. Espinal and Freeland had a solid spring as well, but Kim has been waiting longer. He’d be a regular starter anywhere else. If I were Kim I’d ask for a trade. He’s 27 and has earned his chance.
Really stupid move. This makes no sense.